Free expression spotlight
1 July 2009
Honduras
Free expression in jeopardy following coup
Following the ousting of President Manuel Zelaya on 28 June, the new authorities have harassed and briefly detained journalists, interfered with several broadcast media outlets and imposed a 48-hour curfew, putting free expression at risk, say IFEX member in Honduras Comité por la Libre Expresíon (C-Libre), the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and other IFEX members.
From the Communiqué
1 July 2009
Philippines
Another journalist gunned down
Police in the Philippines must step up investigations into journalist killings following the murder of a radio commentator last week, the fourth Filipino journalist to be killed in June, say the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
1 July 2009
Sri Lanka
Government resurrects draconian press council
Sri Lanka is planning to revive the now defunct Press Council amid continuing tension between the authorities and independent newspapers, report the Free Media Movement (FMM), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Campaigns and Advocacy
24 June 2009
The Gambia
Journalists charged with sedition freed on bail
Seven Gambian journalists charged with sedition last week for criticising the President have been freed on bail, while two other detainees were released without charge, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Meanwhile, a journalist covering the sedition trial has been detained without charge.Joint action: Six journalists released on bail, another arrested
18 June 2009
International
UNESCO urged to continue defending freedom of expression worldwide
Five IFEX members and one other organisation ask UNESCO to continue acting as a defender and champion of freedom of expression worldwide.
1 July 2009
Iran
Help journalists in Iran
As journalists in Iran continue to be arrested in the aftermath of the country's disputed 12 June elections, Amnesty International is asking you to help seek their release. Also, join Hands Across the Mideast Support Alliance (HAMSA), which has started up a petition protesting Telecom joint venture Nokia Siemens for providing the Iranian government with a "monitoring centre."
26 June 2009
China - Tibet
Free Dhondup Wangchen!
RSF launches petition for the release of Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen
24 June 2009
Europe and Central Asia/Zimbabwe
Say no to EU visa discrimination after Zimbabwean band forced to cancel tour
In the lead up to their European tour this summer, the band Mokoomba was billed "The Next Generation of Zimbabwean Hope" in recognition of their story of diversity and perseverance: they come from one of Zimbabwe's smallest rural villages and sing in Tonga, a language foreign to even the majority of Zimbabweans.
25 June 2009
Mexico
CJFE calls on government to make killing a journalist a federal offence
In a letter to the Ambassador of the Republic of Mexico for Canada, CJFE calls on the Mexican government to make killing a journalist a federal offence and to ensure that the murderers of journalists are prosecuted.
2 June 2009
Middle East and North Africa/United States
CPJ urges President Obama to reaffirm U.S. leadership on press freedom when he speaks in Cairo
In a letter to President Obama, CPJ suggests steps that his administration can take to bring U.S. policy in the Arab and Muslim worlds in line with the U.S.'s commitment to freedom of expression.
28 May 2009
Brazil
IAPA issues call for action in murder case
IAPA called for signatures on letter to president asking him to bring those guilty of journalist's 2001 murder to justice.
27 May 2009
Iraq
Historic day in Baghdad as IFJ launches journalism support programme
Leaders of journalists unions from around the world travelled to Baghdad at the weekend for a conference on support for media in Iraq - the first international meeting of any kind in the city since the war began six years ago.Urgent alerts
RUSSIA: Independent editor dies in hospital Editor-in-chief of the "Korruptsiya i Prestupnost" newspaper succumbs to head injuries suffered in an April 2009 attack.1 July 2009 BRAZIL: Newspaper to close after being ordered to pay US$306,000 in defamation lawsuit The "Debate" newspaper was ordered to pay approximately US$306,000 as a result of a lawsuit for defamation filed against it in 1995.
2 July 2009 IRAN: Human Rights Watch urges authorities to release prominent reformist Harsh interrogation conditions and inadequate medical care are threatening the life of a detained reformist.
2 July 2009
Take action!
COLOMBIA: IAPA urges action on unpunished murder of journalist IAPA has called on newspaper readers to sign a letter to Colombia's president urging him to take action against those guilty of the murder of journalist Flavio Iván Bedoya Sarriá.2 July 2009